Olympic champion Lyles withdraws from Budapest Championships due to injury

The American sprinter's withdrawal marks a significant blow to the new-format championship, which was set to showcase the world's elite track and field athletes in a condensed, primetime competition format.

Lyles had initially indicated he would be ready to compete in the Hungarian capital despite dealing with injury concerns in recent weeks. However, after reassessing his condition, the decision was made to prioritise his long-term health and recovery over competing in the event.

The 27-year-old's absence is a notable loss for organisers of the World Athletics Ultimate Championships, which debuts as part of the sport's efforts to create a more television-friendly format and attract mainstream audiences. Lyles was among the headline names expected to draw viewership for the competition.

The injury concludes what has been a landmark season for Lyles, who captured gold in the men's 100 metres at the Paris Olympics earlier this summer. His early seasonal shutdown underscores the physical toll of elite-level sprinting and the importance of injury management at the sport's highest levels.